27th June 2022
The information provided in this article was correct at the time of writing.
While most pet owners would do everything they could to give their cat or dog the best possible care, with household budgets being squeezed more than ever by the rising cost of living, the reality is that some pet owners may not be able to afford large, unexpected vet bills if their beloved companion suddenly became ill.
We all want the best pet insurance cover for our pets, but without a crystal ball no one can foresee when we might need to make a claim, or how often, or indeed for how much.
The significant advances and subsequent rising costs in veterinary care
Sophisticated vet treatments, such as MRI scans, keyhole surgery and hip replacements can speed up diagnosis and help cats and dogs to live longer and healthier lives. But these treatments often come with a hefty price tag. In 2021, our data found one poorly cat racked up an eye-watering bill of £16,545 to treat acute pancreatitis and a French Bulldog with spinal disease was given treatment totalling £12,866.
According to figures published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), UK pet insurers paid out £799 million in 2020 - the second highest figure since the ABI started collecting the data back in 2007. The average claim size has grown significantly as treatments for sick and injured animals become more sophisticated and complex.
Our largest Lifetime pet insurance goes live
Animal Friends Insurance has responded to rising vet fees by launching a new Lifetime £18,000 policy, which will provide the highest veterinary fee cover currently available from any UK pet insurer today*.
Wes Pearson, CEO of Animal Friends Insurance said, “Many of our customers have told us that they want their pets to benefit from the latest advances in veterinary treatment. We know how incredibly stressful it can be for owners when their pet is ill and understand that they want the peace of mind that enhanced levels of cover provide. We’ve listened to their feedback and used it to create our new Lifetime £18,000 policy, which provides the highest level of protection currently available in the UK today*. From puppy insurance, to kitten insurance, we’re proud to provide cover for a range of pets and we’re sure that the new £18,000 policy will help give pets the best possible care and support when they need it most.”
Did you know?
Alongside the Lifetime £18,000 policy, we have also launched our new Lifetime £10,000, which offers up to £10,000 of vet fee cover per year for cats and dogs.
In addition to the increased limits, the two new Lifetime policies will also cover cremation and dental illness and accidents for owners that ensure their pet has an annual dental examination. Complementary therapies, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy and hydrotherapy have also been boosted from £500 to £3,000 for these two new policies.
Customers can choose between a £69, £99 or £159 excess, which are available on all Animal Friends Insurance policies – both for new customers and renewing customers.
* Correct at the time of writing.
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